Since then demand has gone through the roof - with the spot often fully booked on weekends.

Director Simon Hatfield said: “The instant success of Middlesbrough really took us by surprise – the hunger people have in this area is really encouraging, and people have commented that they really appreciate having somewhere so local with such a wide variety of spirits and cocktails that are rarely seen outside of major cities.

“We are really excited to open a Nuthatch in Stockton and be a part of the huge renaissance happening with the recent announcement of huge investment in the Georgian Theatre and the gorgeous new high street.”

Concept Cocktail, behind the new opening, have been working with property developer Jomast on the interior design and fit-out of the premises ahead of opening.

It will bring back to life a previously disused space that was once a shoe shop but has since been converted into a mixed use development including apartments, a shopping centre and The Wasps Nest micropub.